Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he is no longer a candidate to become Italy’s head coach after the FIGC halted his appointment amid controversy over his commercial partnership.
Andrea Pirlo has confirmed he is no longer in contention to become Italy’s new national team head coach after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) abandoned plans to appoint him.
According to GianlucaDiMarzio.com, scheduled meetings in Rome on Monday to finalize his exit from United FC and complete his FIGC contract were cancelled following a late change of direction.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Pirlo said he learned on Sunday evening that he was no longer a candidate for the role. He insisted his commercial partnership in the United Arab Emirates was purely business-related and rejected suggestions that it carried any political significance.
The report added that FIGC president Giovanni Malagò withheld approval after growing political pressure over the issue.
The development could also affect the federation’s wider sporting project. GianlucaDiMarzio.com reports that Paolo Maldini and Leonardo could resign from their FIGC roles if a coach outside their preferred plan is eventually appointed.
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